Teen's plea for transplant (From Oxford Mail)

Teen's plea for transplant

6:40am Friday 30th May 2008 in

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Jamie Remedios is appealing for Oxford Mail readers to sign the Organ Donor Register - and maybe end his wait for a phone call that will change his life.

The 13-year-old, from Minster Road, East Oxford, is on stand-by for a new kidney.

But a national shortage of organs means he could be waiting days, months or even longer.

In the meantime he must take seven different pills a day just to keep his body working, and may soon have to travel three days a week to London for dialysis.

Born with a serious heart defect, Jamie underwent successful surgery shortly after birth.

But he went into shock and his kidneys failed. However, he recovered and grew into a music and football-loving teenager.

But, last year, his kidneys failed again and he was placed on the transplant waiting list.

Now he and his family are in limbo, and have to ensure they are never more than two hours away from London where he would go for a transplant.

His mother, Mena Remedios, said: "We have been told it could be a long time until we get the call, but we are hopeful that it will be soon.

"Myself, Jamie's dad and his sister Rachael are all on the Organ Donor Register, but we would like to encourage all the Oxford Mail's readers to sign up and also to consider joining the Living Donor Programme.

"We know Jamie will probably receive a kidney from someone who has died, but it doesn't have to be that way - we only need one healthy kidney to live normally."

Cheney School pupil Jamie is matter-of-fact when discussing a transplant.

He said: "I know I could get a call telling me there is a kidney in the middle of the night and have to rush to London.

"But I am hoping I will get it in the middle of science because that is my least favourite lesson!

"After the operation I'll have three months off school and I know I will really miss playing sports.

"But I know I will feel a lot better when I have a new kidney and I'll be able to play even more sports.

"I would like more people to give their kidneys so people like me don't have to wait so long."

There are 67 people waiting for transplants in Oxfordshire, although 13 have died in the past four years while on the list. Doctors warn there will be more unless organs are found.

The Oxford Mail is running a campaign to encourage people to sign the donor register. For more information, visit our website at oxfordmail.co.uk and follow the links to News and Giving the Gift of Life.

We would also like to speak to other people with experiences of organ donation. Call Debbie Waite on 01865 425428 or email debbie.waite@oxfordmail.co.uk More information is available by calling 0845 6060400, or visit the website at uktransplant.org.uk